Vibration training takes off at Jason's Fitness in Mobile

Jason Greene has always prided himself on bringing in the newest fitness innovations -- not only to the Mobile area, but to the entire Gulf Coast region.

(Courtesy Chip English/Correspondent)Jason Greene helps his wife, Pam, through a triceps workout on the Whole Body Vibration machine. "If you're in a squat position on the platform you're able to target your glutes, quads and overall core stability," he noted.But Greene, who boasts of starting the Port City's first co-ed facility as well as the first local gym to offer members 24-hour health club access, admits to letting the latest craze sneak up on him.

Whole Body Vibration Training is now available at Jason's Fitness, 3724 Cottage Hill Road. It's also available at his gym in Foley at 120 West Berry Ave.

According to various Web sites, Whole Body Vibration technology first came into existence following the space race between the United States and Soviet Union. The Soviet Space Program discovered that vibration technology was a great way to combat decreased bone density in astronauts.

The Whole Body Vibration machine resembles scales found in a doctor's office and takes up very little space.

"I was aware of the technology, but I thought it was some kind of gimmick until one of our vendors suggested I check the research," Green said. "I had the machine approximately two months before I contacted anyone (the media) about it; I needed to be convinced. . . . It wasn't until we got the unit on the floor and started trying it out on our clients that I was blown away."

The machine works by stimulating muscle groups through vibration. The vibration also stimulates tissue cells through the stretch reflex, which leads to an overall increase of blood circulation.

Because it consistently trains muscle groups not used on a daily basis, Green believes Whole Body Vibration can replace traditional workout routines for some.

The machine works at such as fast pace, the muscle groups and stretch reflexes are able to train to their full potential and in a fraction of the time a normal workout would require, Green said.

"So when people say they have back problems, plantar fasciitis, shoulder problems or knee problems, I ask them if they can stand," he said. "Because that's all they have to do; three days a week for 10 minutes a day. It will help with your lower back and blood flow and increase your flexibility."

At least 65 moves can be performed on the machine, including biceps and triceps work, calf raises and core exercises.

"If you're in a squat position on the platform you're able to target your glutes, quads and overall core stability," Greene said. In addition, clients can get an easy upper-back stretch by simply holding onto the top bar.

Home units are available and can retail from $300 to $10,000. To learn more, go to www.jasonsfitness.com.